Author: Ohene Anochie

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a $108 million loan to support Zambia’s efforts to enhance economic governance and implement vital reforms across public sectors. The funding is part of the Fiscal Sustainability and Economic Resilience Support Program, aimed at building a more resilient and diversified Zambian economy. The program will focus on boosting domestic revenue generation through measures such as introducing a digital “smart invoice” system and registering 12,000 VAT-liable taxpayers. Zambia will also deepen its participation in the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes. To promote agro-industrial growth, the initiative will…

In this edition of Business Africa, we spotlight three nations making strides toward industrial transformation: Burundi’s ambitious 2040 vision, Burkina Faso’s push for industrial sovereignty through crowdfunding, and Nigeria’s growing potential in the leather and footwear industry. Burundi Aims for Industrialization by 2040 Amid Challenges Burundi has set its sights on becoming an emerging industrial economy by 2040. During a roundtable held on December 5th and 6th, President Evariste Ndayishimiye emphasized the need for balanced partnerships to achieve industrial growth while maintaining sustainable development. Despite the optimism, Burundi faces hurdles such as low economic growth and high inflation.…

European Union ministers have approved the full integration of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen Area, the EU’s border-free travel zone, by lifting land border checks starting January 1, 2025. The move was announced on Thursday by Hungary, which currently holds the EU presidency. The decision marks the final step in the inclusion of both nations in Schengen, following their partial admission in March, which allowed air and sea travel without ID checks but maintained land border controls due to opposition, mainly from Austria. Concerns had been raised over the countries’ efforts to curb unauthorized migration. “Interior ministers have…

A mysterious flu-like illness that has claimed dozens of lives in southwestern Congo in recent weeks is likely malaria, according to initial laboratory findings. Dr. Jean-Jacques Muyembe, director-general of the National Institute for Biomedical Research in Kinshasa, revealed that nine out of 12 samples collected tested positive for malaria. However, the poor quality of the samples has prompted continued investigations to confirm if the outbreak is indeed an epidemic. “It is likely malaria because most of the victims are children,” Dr. Muyembe said. The World Health Organization (WHO) echoed this assessment, with its director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stating that…

Volunteers at the Lagos Food Bank are tirelessly packing boxes of essential supplies for some of the city’s most vulnerable communities, as Nigeria faces one of its worst hunger crises in decades. With over 30 million Nigerians suffering from acute hunger, according to the United Nations, food banks once rare in the country—have become a critical source of relief. The Lagos Food Bank, established in 2016, is at the forefront of this effort, providing food to impoverished communities on the outskirts of the city. The economic hardships under President Bola Tinubu’s administration have exacerbated the situation. Inflation reached a…

The Hornbill Festival, Nagaland’s most celebrated cultural event, has once again drawn visitors from around the globe, showcasing the vibrant traditions and heritage of the state’s indigenous tribes. Often referred to as the “Festival of Festivals,” it is held annually in December at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, near Nagaland’s capital, Kohima. The Hornbill Festival offers a unique glimpse into the rich cultural diversity of Nagaland, which is home to 17 recognized tribes. Each tribe brings its distinct traditions, attire, dance, music, and cuisine to the festival, creating a colorful tapestry of cultural pride and unity. Visitors can witness…

At least 175 people have been killed and dozens injured following a series of devastating airstrikes on Sudan’s capital and surrounding areas on Monday and Tuesday. The attacks, reportedly carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), mark a grim escalation in the 20-month conflict between the paramilitary group and the Sudanese army. The violence began on Monday with an airstrike on a crowded market in Kabkabiya, a town 180 kilometers west of North Darfur. The attack left over 100 civilians dead, including women and children, according to reports from a local rights group. In a separate incident, a shell…

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has faced a resounding electoral defeat, attributed largely to a series of poor decisions and internal mismanagement that eroded public trust and party cohesion. Analysts and party insiders point to key factors that undermined the party’s performance, leading to this outcome. One of the most criticized actions was the party’s display of bravado, such as allegedly instructing traditional chiefs to stand during presidential arrivals. This perceived disregard for cultural protocols alienated significant portions of the electorate. Additionally, divisions within the party became glaring when NPP Members of Parliament called for the replacement of the…

A letter to President Nana Addo Dankwah Akuffo-Addo. H.E Nana Akuffo Addo, we in the Ashanti Region (Ghana’s most populated Region) congratulate you for your investiture last Thursday as the President-elect for the 2020 General election and the president of the Republic moving forward to 2024. A ceremony we joined in to celebrate looking at the massive contribution the Region singlehandedly made for your dream to become a reality. We are happy we helped in making yesterday a history for you. Congratulations once again. Akora, wotiri nkwa! Having done with the congratulatory message, however, we want to draw your…

The hip-hop world is reeling from another bombshell as a woman who recently accused Sean “Diddy” Combs of sexual assault has now leveled similar allegations against rap icon Shawn Corey “Jay-Z” Carter. The accusations, which surfaced through legal filings, threaten to embroil another major figure in a controversy that has already shaken the music industry. The accuser, whose identity has not been disclosed publicly, claims the incident involving Jay-Z occurred in the early 2000s and mirrors allegations she has made against Diddy. According to her legal team, she has decided to come forward with these allegations now due to “growing…